"His intelligent and charismatic speaking style is an asset to our
community...a shining example to our children that we can overcome any
obstacles in life abd still be a positive force in our community."
Tarik Lester, District Liaison, Office of Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick
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"What has happened in Raphael's life, and how he overcame his faults and
obstacles is a message that every student - in any city - should
experience."
Paul O'Conner, S.J. Teacher of Theology, Loyola H.S.
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"You gave me hope. You inspired me not to waste my talents...not to get
caught up with the foolishness out in the world. You changed most of the
people's lives in class because I know you changed mine."
Excerpt from annonymous student
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"Mr. Johnson is an individual that has been a great benefit to our
community of students and community at large. His wisdom, professional
demeanor, and cultural insight is a critical component in helping our
young males accept responsibility, make wise decisions and becoming strong
leaders within the world they live in."
Ondrai Staley, English Teacher, Sponsor of Young Men In Transition (Mumford H.S.)
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"Mr. Johnson quickly connected with his teenage audience...he was always
appropriate to the situation...He was also effective...Many students
commented afterward on the impression he made and the message he
delivered. Staff members who heard him speak were also very impressed."
David Mastangelo, S.J. (President of Loyola H.S.)
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"Congratulations to Raphael. He has a very powerful story and is very
articulate. I see a wonderful speaker with bright promise."
Brian G. Pelcin, International Dir. Central American Ministries
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"While listening to Mr, Johnson, it became apparent that his desire to
achieve is matched by a well-developed sense of social consciousness. He
is a purposeful and mature man who remains optimistic and determined to
make a difference in his community."
Ericka G. Page, Youth Program Director (Detroit)
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"Your candidness and honesty about your life experiences combined with
positive messages truly connected with the audience. Your presentation
not only met our objectives but for exceeded all of our expectations.
Feedback from the audience both verbal and written has been very positive."
Cindy Stater, Leadership/Education Director, Detroit Parent Network
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"Your message as well as your mission is phenomenal. Your presentation
was thought provoking and powerful. You were very inspirational and
instrumental to the students. The teachers were pleased and the
administrators impressed."
Ebonne K. Wallace, Learning for Life Executive
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"I believe that your story really got our participants thinking because it
hit very close to home for a lot of them."
Symaine Coleman, Youth on the Edge of Greatness, Inc., Site Coordinator
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"Your story is compelling and motivating. I encourage anyone interested
in turning his or her life around to take time to listen to what you have
to say. Your story renews in all of us hope for the future as well as an
appreciation for life."
Toya J. Hickman, Student Support Manager (YMCA Service Learning Academy)
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"By sharing how you turned your life around and used the system to your
benefit further demonstrates to those young and old that if a person makes
a bad decision in life they have the ability through God's grace to repent
and make the best out of a bad situation. You are to be commended."
Robert G. Bryant, Jr., Co-Director (Guide Right/Kappa League Program)
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"Fantastic! He reminds me of Malcolm X."
William C. Brooks, Chairman (Detroit Board of Education)
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"On my first term I had the pleasure of being Vice Chair on the Criminal
Justice Committee. This allowed me a little help in the corrections
system. To make sure that we could have a person rehabilitated like
Raphael because everyday he spent in jail could be tragic for what he
could offer on the outside. I am so proud of you Raphael. I am so proud
of what you're doing for these kids out here."
Honorable Bill McConico, Michigan State Representative (5th District)
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"Without a doubt you were one of the highlights of this years conference.
Those in attendance relayed that your message and delivery was on point
and intellectually stimulating. I cannot help but to feel your
contributions were a major part of our success."
Keith L. Bennett, Flip The Script Director, President MIA/Men In Action
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"It is vital that more young people are exposed to your life story and the
message that it carries. Just this morning at work I had co-workers
telling me how much they were moved by your story and message. Your
presentation and expression were reminiscent of Dr. Martin Luther King,
Jr.'s oratorical skills. Your spirit of dedication, inspiration and
motivation made the Awards Luncheon a huge success!"
Roberta L. Wolfe Bryant, Asst. Wayne County Prosecutor, Chair, DtWT Detroit Challenge
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"Raphael Johnson is a great, young visionary that is destined to make
undeniable differences in the lives of those that are fortunate enough to
embrace his new passage in life. I completely commend Mr. Johnson's
contagious passion and applaud his desire to not merely inspire and
inform, but to enable and empower those around him."
Paul Riser, Jr., President, Legacy Associates Foundation
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"There are many people who serve in leadership capacities by virtue of
assuming leadership positions, and then there are others who are trained
or "groomed" to be leaders. There are then those few who have an innate
ability to lead and these individuals are classified as "born" leaders.
Raphael is one of these types of individuals."
Darnell Kaigler, D.D.S., Ph.D
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" Every young person was on the edge of their pew and hanging on your every word; and might I add, our senior members were impressed by your style, intelligence and charismatic manner of speaking."
Rev. Dr. Garfield Johnson, Jr. M.D. (St. John A.M.E. Church)
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